Summer Fun Day at Paradizoo

Last weekend, our family of five went on an epic weekend vacation with my immediate family. It was actually the last trip we were going to take together while my brother and his family are still here. In just a few days, they’re moving all the way to Davao and it will be a while until we see them again.

So, we decided on an overnight stay at Canyon Woods but since check in wasn’t until 3pm, we decided to spend our Saturday morning at Paradizoo instead. I’ve been wanting to take my family there for so long, especially since I got a whole pack of free rides tickets that we could use. So, we were excited!

We got to Paradizoo around 10 am and it was already blazing hot. Warning: try to go as early as you can to avoid the extreme heat. Also, there’s limited parking. When we got there, 2 of the 4 parking slots in front were already taken. I’m not sure if they have other parking areas elsewhere.

Anyway, we immediately got our entrance tickets and I asked what the free rides are that’s included in my vouchers. As it turns out, it only includes horseback riding, use of play area and a fish spa. I was really disappointed because I thought the Zing ride will be free or at least the caritela. Unfortunately, they weren’t. They actually charge Php 100.00/head for the caritela ride, which I think is way too pricey.

Oh well. We decided to make the most of the trip just the same.

The first thing we saw was the fish spa area. I initially wanted to try it out since it’s free anyway but in the end we didn’t have the time.

Right in front of the fish spa is the kids’ play area, which we could have availed for free but decided not to anymore. I think the regular price is Php 20.00 per child.

Beside the play area is the cafe where you can have snacks and drinks.

And this Discovery Shop where you can buy souvenirs.

Nearby, you’ll see several cute decorative areas such as these where you can take photos.

What I was surprised about was that there was actually a tour guide who accompanied us the whole time. In my research about the place, not once did I read about a tour guide. She patiently took us to all the different areas and also shared really interesting information about the animals and plants that we saw along the way.

The first area we toured was the one with the farm animals, where the horseback riding was supposed to be. We were so excited for it. That is, until we learned that they only use mini horses and so they could only allow kids who weigh 30 kgs and below to ride. In the end it was only my 6 year old nephew who could ride because our Ziggy was way to scared to try it.

But at least we had a lot of fun visiting and feeding the other animals. I availed of the Php 100 feed set that already included food for the bunnies, the birds, the pigs, the horses and donkeys and the ostrich.

Feeding the ostrich was especially interesting. It seems scary at first and most of us didn’t want to try it. But we eventually did after some coaxing. Haha! The ostrich pecks on the food on your hand so fast that it really surprises you. But it doesn’t hurt at all. I just got really surprised too when after it got the food on my hand, it then pecked on my bracelet and started pulling on it! So warning, don’t wear a bracelet when feeding an ostrich!

Then off we went to the Flower Gardens. It was really beautiful there. There were all sorts of plants and flowers there. It can be quite a climb though especially under the heat of the sun. I honestly would’ve appreciated the use of some hiking sticks because I’m so out of shape!  I was so exhausted and thirsty after the climb so please do bring water so you don’t end up dehydrated, although there’s a small store at the top where you can rest a bit and buy refreshments too. You can buy some fresh and organic fruits and vegetables too at a cheaper price. Herbs and seedlings are also available for sale.

It’s at the top that you’ll see the Zing Ride. It’s called a Zing Ride and not a zipline because it’s really just like a swing. You’ll be seated while careening down the hill, which will probably take you around 5 seconds. Haha! We didn’t try it but we got to see that the end of the line was only a few meters down the hill. It costs Php 75.00 per adult.

Continuing down the path will lead you to the Butterfly Farm, where I was expecting to see a lot of butterflies fluttering about. But there were only really a few.

While we were there, we were informed that there was going to be a honeybee harvest lecture and demo at the honeybee farm and we were invited to watch. Apparently, they don’t do this often and so we were told that we’re lucky to have come that day and be able to see it.

It was a really informative lecture. The person in charge of the honeybee farm has been in the business for years and so he really knew what he was talking about. We were all really entertained, even the young kids. It was so cool to see how honey was being extracted. It tasted so good too that we ended up buying some, plus some honey-pineapple vinegar too.

Our last stop involved visiting more animals such as some greyhounds, wild boars, and turkeys too. We stopped by the pet cemetery too!

By then it was already noon and we were sweaty, hot and exhausted. We couldn’t wait to check in at Canyon Woods already.

Overall though, it was a nice visit to Paradizoo. We enjoyed it although there were some minor disappointments. My advice to you though is to not go there at noon. And bring lots of water too!

For more info about Paradizoo, visit www.zoomanity.com.ph/paradizoo.